DEVOTIONAL: Set free from the weightiness of doubts!

By Pastor Darryl George

Mechanicsville Baptist Church

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is how to overcome my doubts by my beliefs! Doubts can take such a great toll on our peace. In fact, living with doubt can be debilitating and make us unstable and off-balance in our decision-making. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” – James 1:6-8 Let us take a deeper look into the definition of doubts. 1. To be undecided or skeptical about 2. To tend to disbelieve, distrust 3. To regard as unlikely 4. Archaic: To suspect, fear Looking deeper, the biblical definition of doubts is to be uncertain or unsure about. Literally to tear into pieces regarding our beliefs. In Genesis Chapter 3, the serpent’s temptation upon Adam and Eve was to cause them to doubt God’s word as being true. Thus, they quickly gave in to temptation and sin. Yes, the consequences were great. Now the good news on how I have been taught to overcome my doubts by my beliefs. What works against our faith, beliefs and confidence is our doubts. Doubts are a weapon of the evil one. So why not use our faith and beliefs to overcome out doubts? Many years ago, I heard a sermon from David Jeremiah that many Christians start believing their doubts and then start doubting their beliefs under stressful circumstances. You can only imagine what happens in their mindset as they gain worry and anxiety and lose their peace. When I heard that message, I made a declaration in my heart that I will “choose to believe my beliefs and doubt my doubts,” as David Jeremiah preached at that point. I also realized the devil would attack us the hardest where we are most vulnerable. So, YES, I choose to believe my biblical beliefs and doubt my doubts! The result is that I can (you can) overcome worry and fear and live a life of faith and peace. So this is where I started. With what (whose) authority and word do I base my beliefs? So I can believe my beliefs! FIRST: God’s word is settled in Heaven and is my authority to believe! (“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” – Psalm 119:89.) Circumstances may change and afflictions may come. Yet his Word will stand firm. I can believe! SECOND: God’s faithfulness endures to all generations. (“Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the Earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are Your servants.” – Psalm 119: 90-91.) There is no end to God’s faithfulness so there is no end to believing my beliefs. THIRD: God’s Word is my delight and God has taken care of the past. (“Unless your Law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.” – Psalm 119:92.) Thus I can have confidence that God will take care of the future as I believe in my beliefs. FOURTH: His Word is so deep in my mind, heart and soul I will not forget His promises. (“I will never forget Your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” – Psalm 119:93.) I will not forget what has given me life. I choose to believe my beliefs. FIFTH: When I am afflicted I know who I can seek and trust, God! (“I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.” – Psalm 119:94.) When I seek Your precepts and live by Your precepts, I can live in confidence and believe my beliefs. SIXTH: When I have fears and doubts, I consider your testimonies! (“The wicked wait for me to destroy me, but I will consider Your testimonies.” – Psalm 119:95.) Then I can have encouragement daily to believe my beliefs. SEVENTH: When I consider the authority and perfection of God and His Word, I can believe my beliefs. (“I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.” – Psalm 119:96.) Yes, I believe in God’s authority and perfection and I can believe my beliefs. Lastly, the effect of doubting my doubts … FIRST: As I doubt my doubts, I have the peace of God. (“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27.) SECOND: As I doubt my doubts, my faith is strengthened by Christ! (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phillippians 4:13.) THIRD: As I doubt my doubts, I can pray effectively and stay spiritually and mentally stable! (“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” – James 1:6-7.) FOURTH: As I doubt my doubts, I can live a blessed life with trust and confidence and not be anxious in uncertain times! (“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” – Jeremiah 17:7.)

Author: Stephan Drew

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